Analysis & Reports

Lockheed Martin's SR-72 hypersonic aircraft, designed for reconnaissance at speeds up to Mach 7, has not yet made its planned first flight in 2025, raising concerns about its operational status. The project faces significant engineering challenges, particularly regarding heat management at hypersonic speeds. Despite these hurdles, the development continues, with indications of substantial investment and testing efforts.

The U.S. Navy is actively testing and planning to implement directed energy weapons, specifically lasers, for air defense on ships to counter missile and drone threats. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle emphasizes the need for these systems to enhance naval capabilities in future conflicts, particularly against adversaries like China. The HELIOS system is currently being tested aboard the USS Preble, with plans to integrate such technologies into the fleet.

Lockheed Martin successfully conducted a 112-kilometer flight test of the Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. This test validated the integration of the M270A2 launcher with the Alternative Warhead configuration, confirming the system's performance and compatibility with existing artillery platforms. The ER GMLRS is designed to double the range of standard GMLRS rockets, enhancing strike capabilities for U.S. and allied forces.

The United States Marine Corps has awarded Kodiak AI a contract to integrate its Kodiak Driver autonomous driving system into the ROGUE-Fires platform. This integration aims to enhance the operational capabilities of military ground vehicles in contested environments, supporting distributed maritime missions and expeditionary operations. The Kodiak Driver is designed for use in unstructured and unmapped environments, showcasing its dual-use capabilities in both commercial and defense applications.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $50.5 million contract modification by the U.S. Department of War on February 12, 2026, for the continued procurement of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM). The work will be conducted in Orlando, Florida, with completion expected by August 29, 2029.

Hypersonix Launch Systems confirmed the first flight test of its DART AE hypersonic aircraft, scheduled for late February 2026 from Wallops Island, Virginia. The mission aims to validate propulsion and guidance systems under real hypersonic conditions, utilizing the hydrogen-fueled SPARTAN scramjet engine. This test represents a significant step towards operational hypersonic systems, supported by the Defense Innovation Unit and Rocket Lab.

Hypersonix Launch Systems confirmed the launch of the DART AE hypersonic aircraft for flight testing from Wallops Island, Virginia, scheduled for late February 2026. The mission aims to validate propulsion and control systems using the SPARTAN scramjet engine, which operates at speeds exceeding Mach 5. This initiative is supported by the Defense Innovation Unit and Rocket Lab, reflecting significant advancements in hypersonic technology.

REGENT unveiled its new Squire autonomous Seaglider drone during a briefing in Quonset, Rhode Island, attended by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The drone is designed for contested logistics, medical evacuation, and ISR missions, addressing capability gaps in U.S. military operations. The company plans to manufacture these vessels at a new facility to support scaled production.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) achieved a milestone by integrating mission autonomy into the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, successfully conducting its first semi-autonomous airborne mission on February 12, 2026, in San Diego. The Sidekick software enabled precise execution of commands for over four hours, showcasing advancements in unmanned aircraft technology.

The U.S. Army's Global Response Force will assess the Bumblebee V2 drone interceptor starting in March 2024, following a $5.2 million contract awarded on January 30. This drone, equipped with advanced AI, is designed to identify and engage enemy drones through direct collisions, minimizing collateral damage. The assessment will take place at the newly established Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost at Fort Bragg.

The U.S. Army's Global Response Force will assess the Bumblebee V2 drone interceptor starting in March 2024, following a $5.2 million contract awarded on January 30. This drone, equipped with advanced AI, is designed to identify and engage enemy drones through direct physical collisions, minimizing collateral damage. The assessment will take place at the newly established Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost at Fort Bragg.

The U.S. Air Force denied reports of receiving F-35 fighters with empty radomes, confirming that Lot 17 aircraft are being delivered with the older AN/APG-81 radar due to delays in the new AN/APG-85 radar's development. This situation highlights ongoing challenges in the F-35 program, which is projected to incur a lifecycle cost of $2.1 trillion through the 2070s.

Echodyne announced the opening of a new 86,350-square-foot manufacturing facility in Kirkland, Washington, on February 11, 2026. This facility will enable the production of over 30,000 radars annually to meet the increasing global demand for advanced radar technology. The expansion reflects Echodyne's commitment to enhancing security and safety in various applications, including defense and civilian sectors.

The U.S. Navy faces a critical availability gap in its Seawolf-class submarine fleet, with only three submarines operational. USS Connecticut is undergoing repairs until late 2026, while USS Seawolf is set for a major overhaul in April 2026. This situation leaves USS Jimmy Carter as the primary active submarine, highlighting the challenges in maintaining naval readiness.

The Pentagon is urgently seeking counter-drone sensors to protect military installations across the United States, with a demonstration planned for Spring 2026 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The Defense Innovation Unit requires these sensors to detect small drones and provide mobile capabilities for military units, ensuring they can operate safely in populated areas and complex environments. The project emphasizes the need for rapid integration with existing fire control systems.

The Pentagon is seeking counter-drone sensors to detect small UAVs threatening military installations in the U.S. and to provide mobile capabilities for military units. The Defense Innovation Unit aims for a demonstration by Spring 2026 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, focusing on detecting Group 1 UAVs at a range of 2 kilometers. The systems must operate safely in populated areas and avoid enemy detection.

The Marine Corps selected the Red Wolf missile system for deployment from AH-1Z Viper helicopters, enabling strikes on targets over 230 miles away. This decision, made on January 30, 2023, is part of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030 initiative aimed at enhancing long-range strike capabilities in the Pacific. The Red Wolf system is designed to be cost-effective and versatile, addressing emerging threats in the region.

Kvertus successfully tested the Azimuth electronic intelligence system for maritime applications, demonstrating its capability to detect radio-controlled UAVs at sea. The system provides early warning of threats and identifies drone types to aid in countermeasure selection. This testing highlights the importance of electronic intelligence in protecting naval platforms and coastal infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of War awarded BAE Systems a $145 million contract for the development and delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems weapon systems on Feb. 11, 2026. The initial delivery order is valued at $66,673,298, with work to be performed in Hudson, New Hampshire, and expected completion by July 31, 2027. This contract addresses the growing operational concern of unmanned aerial threats for U.S. and allied forces.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully integrated mission autonomy software into the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, conducting its first semi-autonomous airborne mission in San Diego on 12 February 2026. The Sidekick software, provided by Collins Aerospace, enabled the aircraft to execute commands with high accuracy for over four hours. This milestone underscores GA-ASI's commitment to advancing autonomous systems for defense applications.